How to Choose the Right Razor Blade

For men, shaving can be tricky, especially when trying to work around all of the contours of your face. For women, shaving your legs, armpits and bikini area can pose several sets of difficulties. Can you find one razor that will fit all of your needs? There are a couple things to keep in mind when choosing a razor to fit your shaving routine.

A close shave on a man's face requires a sharp razor and precision. If you choose a safety razor or disposable razor and have prepared your skin well with water and shaving gel, a single-edged blade is acceptable. However, some people prefer multiple blades. Razors on the market today can have three, four or even five blades. You might want to experiment with different blades, but the double- or triple-edged blades should be fine. The most important thing is that the blades are sharp, no matter how many there are. Electric razors are best for those with curlier facial hair, as there is less risk for ingrown hairs or razor burn.

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For women, different areas of your bodies have different contours and shapes, and they may be more prone to nicks, cuts and irritation. A contoured electric razor can help out in the underarm area or around trickier leg areas like the knees and ankles. Flexible heads on safety or disposable razors will also help out with these issues, as they will work a bit more with the curves of your body [source: WebMD].

The most important thing around the bikini area is a sharp razor, since a dull blade can irritate skin. This is another good area to use a razor that has a flexible, pivoting head, which will allow you to shave more closely.

As you can tell, there are a lot of options out there for shaving products, and you need to understand what works best with your skin and your shaving routine. For more tips, see the links on the next page.

When to Call in the Pros

If you are nervous about shaving your bikini line or any other areas with sensitive skin, waxing may be a better option. Waxing can be less irritating than regular shaving, as you only have to wax about once a month.